Preparations

These vaccines are prepared from the purified capsule of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). All Hib vaccines use polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) as the polysaccharide, but 4 different protein carriers are used in the 4 different Hib conjugate vaccines available:

Some Hib vaccines—PRP-T (ActHIB®, Pentacel®, or MenHibrix®) and PRP-OMP (PedvaxHIB® or COMVAX®)—can be used in infants as young as 6 wk. Another Hib vaccine (Hiberix®) can be used only for the last dose of the Hib schedule in children ≥ 12 mo.

Indications

Adults with anatomic or functional asplenia and those scheduled for elective splenectomy if they are unimmunized (ie, if they have not previously received a primary series plus booster dose or ≥ 1 dose of Hib vaccine after age 14 mo), although some experts suggest giving a dose before elective splenectomy regardless of vaccination history

Immunocompromised adults (eg, because of cancer chemotherapy or HIV infection) if they are unimmunized

People who have had a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation regardless of their vaccination history

Contraindications and Precautions

The main contraindication is

A severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after previous dose or to a vaccine component

The main precaution is

Moderate or severe illness with or without a fever (vaccination is postponed until the illness resolves)

Dose and Administration

Hib vaccine 0.5 mL is given IM. A primary childhood series is given in 3 doses at age 2, 4, and 6 mo or in 2 doses at age 2 and 4 mo, depending on the formulation. In either case, a booster is recommended at age 12 to 15 mo.

One dose is given to older children, adolescents, and adults who have asplenia or who are scheduled for an elective splenectomy if they are unimmunized. Some experts suggest giving a dose before elective splenectomy regardless of vaccination history. The dose is given ≥ 14 days before elective splenectomy if possible.

A 3-dose regimen is given 6 to 12 mo after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; doses are separated by ≥ 4 wk.

Adverse Effects

Adverse effects are rare. They can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site and, in children, fever, crying, and irritability.

Last full review/revision November 2014 by William D. Surkis, MD; Jerome Santoro, MD

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